Club news 10-4-15

Torchbearer Iota Chapter

The Torchbearer Iota Chapter of Beta Sigma Phi met at the home of Bernie Gardner for the first meeting of the new chapter year on Sept. 21. President Joyce Hays presided. She also reported the chapter had received the Three Star rating for the past year.

Mary Schwab, corresponding secretary, reported she had sent a sympathy card to Jo Ann Campbell and a thank-you note to Beta Xi Master Chapter, the hosting chapter for Beginning Day held in August at Dexter Bar-B-Que.

Carole Calvin, Judie Herbst and Bernie Gardner reported on the chapter duties for the Beta Sigma Phi Missouri State Convention to be held Oct. 9 through 11 in Cape Girardeau. The chapter is in charge of the "Mary Poppins" event on Sunday morning, along with the closing ritual. Preparations are being made.

Hays reviewed the chapter survey the group participated in at the last meeting in May. A discussion followed.

The annual fall gathering of chapters (Exemplar/Preceptor Night) will be hosted by the chapter in November. Time and place to be decided at a later date.

Before the meeting, Judge Michael Gardner, son of member Bernie Gardner, presented the program. He spoke on the history of the Common Pleas Courthouse and presented information the dungeon that was part of the original building and was used in the Civil War. He also told of the slaves who were sold on the courthouse steps. The courthouse was added to the Historical Registry in 2010. The cement steps were added to the front of the courthouse in 1910. Judge Gardner also told of the Great Steamboat Races in 1870 between the Natchez and the Robert E. Lee. Harry Truman spoke from the gazebo in 1940 and, more recently, Ben Affleck spoke from the gazebo during the filming of the "Gone Girl" movie that was filmed partially in Cape Girardeau. The courthouse was built in 1874 by Joseph Landsman.

The next meeting was held Sept. 28 at home of Charlotte Bess. Hays presided.

Bernie Gardner reported she had a received member status report from International.

Chapter piggy banks were discussed. Several members did not receive one for the birth of a grandchild or great-grandchild. Additional banks will be ordered to keep up the chapter tradition.

Vicki McKinney and Marsha Parrish stated that the chapter service projects this year will include packages for the military, Soles for Souls and the Amen Center. Items can be brought to any chapter meeting. Suggested items include baby wipes, beef jerky, batteries, cough drops, peanuts, note pads, etc.

Carole Calvin, Bernie Gardner and Judie Herbst reported on chapter responsibilities for the state convention. Practices for the closing ritual at the convention are scheduled.

Martha Slaten read from the "Book of Beta Sigma Phi" concerning standing rules of the chapter.

Patty Taylor reported she had checked on several restaurants that are possibilities for the all-chapter dinner the chapter is hosting in November. Patty Taylor, Charlotte Bess and Marsha Parrish will serve on this committee. The preferred dates for this event are Nov. 16 or 19.

Members were reminded not to throw away empty printer cartridges. There are several ways to recycle them.

The next meeting will be held at the home of Dixie Jones on Oct. 12.

Before the meeting, Charlotte Bess introduced Robyn Jones, the manager of Marcy's Planet Shoes. She spoke of the "Soles for Souls" Program that Marcy's, St. Andrew Lutheran Church and other area churches and organizations sponsor each year. The organization collects gently-used shoes that they redistribute to about 127 countries around the world. They are also distributed in the United States when needed. A shoe drive is held in March of each year, where they collected about 300 pairs of shoes in three days their first year, but shoes can be dropped off at Marcy's at any time. They have collected more than 28,000 pairs of shoes. With the help of Genesis Transportation Company, the shoes are shipped and redistributed. Since 2006, more than 22 million pairs of shoes have been collected. Children's and adult shoes are greatly appreciated and needed.

Nancy Hunter Chapter NSDAR

The Nancy Hunter Chapter Daughters of the American Revolution met Sept. 23 at the Cape Girardeau Public Library. Charlotte Slinkard, regent, opened the meeting. Carolyn Webb, vice regent, read the President General's Message and the National Defense report.

Librarian Lafern Stiver reported that the book "Joseph Vick of the Lower Parish, Isle of Wright County Virginia," donated by Sue LaBruyere, will be given to the Genealogy Room of the library. On Sept. 17, six members attended the Constitution Week and Heroes Assembly at Alma Schrader School.

A request for a contribution to the kitchen renovation project at the Missouri State DAR Headquarters in Boonville, Missouri, was approved. The chapter will become a participating partner in the national observance of the 50th commemoration of the Vietnam War. Carol Robinson and Penelope Bender will serve as co-chairs.

In observance of the 125th anniversary of the founding of DAR, the chapter will replace and rededicate a marker at Cape Girardeau Public Library on Oct. 11. It is in honor of early member and civic leader Amy Kimmel, who was instrumental in obtaining the city's original Carnegie Library.

The next meeting will be Nov. 18 at the Cape River Heritage Museum.